We have come across this very sad story from Scotland . It raises the issue of dogs and wildlife and as a dog owner myself it is something I am interested in hearding people's opinions on. At the moment, seals are having their pups, deer are rutting and wintering wildfowl and waders need somewhere they can feed without being disturbed. However, dogs need to be walked. What could be done to help wildlife and dogs coexist? Should they be banned from important wildlife sites or does that risk disconnecting people with the countryside as dog walking is often the reason people visit the countryside?
That's an interesting read.
Quote "Last night, Audrey Forbes-Clarke, the fishery manager for the local Udny Trust, called for a licensed cull at the estuary to combat an “explosion” in seal numbers.
She warned it was only a matter of time before humans were attacked, declaring: “Children are paddling there in the summer and they will be fair game for the seals as well.”"
What a surprising comment made by a fishery manager! Of course, they wouldn't be at all biased because the seals (like the cormorants and goosanders) steal ALL of their fish! Stupid flippin' woman! Talk about potentially causing mass hysteria! More humans are bitten by dogs (I love dogs by the way, I'm NOT against them!), than ever would be by seals!
My opinion would be that dogs ought to be kept on leads where wildlife (especially at breeding times) is known to frequent! There are plenty of places where dogs can be allowed to run free without either disturbing wildlife, or coming into danger!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Ditto this from Marjus. Dogs should deffo be kept on leads when near wildlife. We were feeding, and photographing mallard chicks earlier this year, whe 3 dogs jumped in the water, scattering the ducks. I asked, politely, if the owners could keep their dogs under controll. I was told in no uncertain terms, where to go. I am sure this is not 'typical' of dog owners, but was totally rude, and unnecessary. Had I been 20 years younger, I wonder if they would have been so rude. Selfishness seems to be the order of the day, or am I just an 'old fart'.
Take care all, Stich.
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Rockwolf said: She warned it was only a matter of time before humans were attacked, declaring: “Children are paddling there in the summer and they will be fair game for the seals as well.”"
I don't know of many records of seals attacking people. Plenty of records of them not attacking people though. See here
I think most people have the sense to keep away from sensitive wildlife. I'd certainly never let my dog off the lead near deers or swans (or seals if he ever saw any). The main problem is those people that don't take notice of signs or use common sense. I'm not sure what could be done to educate them?!
Personally I think it is a load of hysterical nonsence followed by the not-surprising cull response from individuals that are continuously coming up with excuses to cull things. It's a highly unusual event that while not unlikely to be repeated is unlikely to ever be frequent enough to be concerned about. Sure, it could have been a child but they are far more at risk from drowning than anything else in the water. Same as dogs actually. But they can't cull water can they?
It is a freak event, nothing more nothing less. No knee-jerk reactions should be applied to dogs or wildlife because of some freak event. The dog was also working, the guy was out shooting his dog was a working gun-dog and they can't work when on the lead!
The reserve in question does have large off-limits areas in the spring to protect breeding birds, though some idiotic jogger thought it didn't apply to him should joggers be banned from nature reserves too? How about children that run around screaming, causing chaos and hassling wildlife (and dogs)? How about just never let anyone near nature reserves because that is the only way to ensure nature is not disturbed. A dog on the lead is less disruptive to wildlife than an off-lead child running riot - and you can't tell parents to put their child on a lead.
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Really sad to read how the dog was injured and so sorry it had to be put to sleep.Still, the owner shot ducks and sent his dog to retrieve them which obviously unnerved a seal in the breeding season causing it to attack the dog,end of story.Freak event....
Having had (pet)dogs all my life we always walked obvious country paths and the dogs were well trained and didn't venture off them.We did put our dogs on their leads when we felt it was appropriate too using common sense but have seen so many children running beserk and causing much more disruption than any dog.
This sad story just states, don't venture into the path of animals/mammals in the breeding season when they are extremely protective.
As far as i am cocerned, clear signs warning of the dangers are all that is needed.....
An optimist sees the beauty of the complete rose.A pessimist sees only the thorn .
Seals have also been known to SAVE dogs lives... news.bbc.co.uk/.../2053299.stm
Great read Kat :0)
I have had dogs all my life. In 64 years I have never been without one, and our dogs go everywhere with us. They are part of what we are. If dogs were banned from nature reserves this would severely impact on my life, and no doubt many thousands of other people's lives, too. I am always grateful to see "dogs allowed on leads" as opposed to "no dogs", and chose the many reserves we visit accordingly.
We never let our dogs off the lead on nature/wildlife reserves, whether this is required or not. Part of the reason for this is to protect the wildlife, and part is to protect the dogs. Equally important, I believe. I am always incensed when others disobey the "dogs on leads only" signs and warnings, to the extent that I do challenge the owners. I don't know what the answer is to that one, but I do know that banning dogs entirely would be a disaster for so many people. (Banning unruly children would be better - or requiring them to wear those toddler harness and leads.)
Cheers, Linda.
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Sparrow, if all dog owner were as responsible as you are, we would not have any problems. I have no objections to dogs under control, only dogs who are loose, and run riot. See my previous post above. The response from some owners, also leaves a lot to be desired. I shall hold judgement re kids, I used to be one myself, all be it many years ago. Lol.
All dogs should be kept under control at all times on or off the lead .Children should be too and anyone who has been a normal child will know that.Thank goodness my parents kept me under their wing lol.....:0)